Lodge
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
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Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
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Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
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About the lodge
An overview of Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp.
The small, intimate Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is situated within the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.
Highlights
- 4 luxurious and spacious en-suite safari-style tents, each overlooking a beautiful dam with stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountains beyond.
- The camp is eco-friendly, utilizing only solar power and gas, yet still providing modern-day luxuries.
- Observe wildlife, including the Big Five and numerous bird species, in their natural surroundings during game drives or optional short daily bushwalks.
You Should Know
- Thabamati welcomes children aged 12 years and older.
- They may participate in all game drives, but not bushwalks.
- Children of all ages are welcome if the entire camp is booked as a villa option. Please enquire with reservations for a special rate.
The Detail
The intimate Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is located within the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Here, you can relax under canopies of canvas and enjoy views of the dam below, the surrounding bushveld, and the Drakensberg mountain range on the horizon. Accommodating only eight guests across four luxury safari-style tents, Thabamati offers a timeless safari experience blended with modern elegance.
Each safari-style tent is situated next to the dam and features breathtaking views of the water. The tents are equipped with a writing desk, seating area, bedroom, en-suite bathroom, wooden closet, WC, bathtub, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Amenities infused with the scents of Africa are provided for your pleasure and comfort.
The main area at Thabamati offers a welcoming, open-plan reception and lounge space designed to harmonize with nature. Facilities include an infinity pool, a viewing deck with seating areas, a sunken boma, a library corner, a curio shop, a bar, a lounge, and a dining area. Every corner reflects thoughtful design and comfort.
Thabamati presents a unique experience for individuals or small groups. Guests also have the option to book the camp as a private villa, complete with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, and personal chef.
Price Includes
- Accommodation, three meals per day, sundowner game-drive drinks (local beers, soft drinks, spirits, and house wines).
- Bottled water, tea, coffee, laundry services, morning and afternoon game drives.
- Optional one-hour morning bushwalks after breakfast, emergency medical assistance and evacuation.
- VAT, unlimited Wi-Fi, star-gazing after supper, and room turndown service.
The same as booking direct
Rates and pricing.
Per person sharing, per night. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.
Valid until 31 Dec 2026
Why book through us
You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup. What you get on top is a specialist who knows Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp personally, looks after every detail of the trip, and stays reachable on WhatsApp from the moment you enquire to the day you come home.
By season
Low season
1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
All Inclusive - Three meals per day, sundowner game drive drinks (local beers, local soft drinks, local spirits and house wines), two game drives daily and optional morning bushwalk
Special offer
R 11 040
Normally R 11 620
Rates are per person sharing, per night. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your safari specialist.
Photographic safari options
Built for photographers.
Specific photographic infrastructure available at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, taken from Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp's published rate sheets, not marketing copy.
Photographic package
Private Vehicle with Professional Wildlife Photographer. Tutor
Makanyi Lodge can adapt a private vehicle with specialised photographic equipment and pair it with a professional wildlife photographer/tutor for a minimum 2-day immersive photographic safari. Camera equipment is not included but can be rented separately through Africa Photographic Services with advance notice. Pre-booking is essential and subject to availability; rates are on request.
Private vehicle adapted with specialised photography equipment (equipment not included, available to rent from Africa Photographic Services). Professional wildlife photographer/tutor included. Minimum 2-day immersive photographic safari. Rates on request.
- Cost
- rates on request
- Availability
- advance booking required, subject to availability
Camera Rental
Camera Equipment Rental (Africa Photographic Services)
Guests staying at Makanyi Lodge can rent camera equipment from Africa Photographic Services. Advance notice is required to arrange the rental, which is offered in conjunction with the lodge's private photographic vehicle package.
Camera equipment rental via Africa Photographic Services; specific models/brands not stated. Advance notice required.
- Availability
- advance booking required
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Family policies
Travelling with children.
What our safari specialists know about bringing children to Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp: minimum ages, activities, family rooms and child rates, current as of May 2026. They plan family trips here all the time, so anything below that needs arranging, they will sort. For the bigger picture, see our guide to safari with children .
Minimum ages
- Stay
- 10+
- Game drives
- 10+
- Walking safari
- 16+
Programmes & care
No dedicated kids' programme.
Accommodation
Family unit available.
Child rates
Per child sharing per night (10–11 yrs): R 9,918.00agent. When 1 adult shares with 1 child, the normal per-person sharing rate applies. Timbavati Reserve Fees: R 330.00 per child under 12 per night.
Notable exceptions
- Standard policy: minimum age 10 to stay and to join game drives; bushwalks are restricted to guests aged 16–60. Children of all ages are welcome only when the whole camp is booked on an exclusive/villa basis — special rate on enquiry. One luxury tent can be converted to accommodate 3 persons, subject to availability — confirm with reservations at time of booking.
Imagery
A closer look.
15 photographs · click any image to expand
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your dream safari at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. We can handle the whole trip, not just the stay at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp: multi-country itineraries, internal flights, road transfers, tipping guidance, travel insurance, the lot. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
Ready when you are
Let's design your stay.
Your specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours with availability, exact pricing, and suggestions for what to combine it with.